Who really wants to live to be over 100 years old? It's not so uncommon to live that long in Japan. So, people smoke to overcome the fear of not dying.
Why is it Japanese people will talk about someone in the third person, as if the person weren't there, when theт person actually is there standing right in front of them?
Yes, you will find that if you are introduced to someone, for example, that any questions about you will be directed to the introducer rather than directly to you, as in "Where is she from?" And the introducer you will answer the questions. It's a respect thing. Respect for the fact everyone in childhood has the dream to be invisible. It's the closest you'll ever get to being invisible, so enjoy it.
Why do people have so many shopping bags?
The stores in Japan individually bag everything. Absolutely everything is wrapped, taped and bagged. The Japanese even bag the baguette. Whereas a big shopping bag in Russia is meant to consolidate purchases, shopping bags in Japan are given out with just one or two items inside. For the shopper, this gives them the illusion they have gone on a grand shopping spree, even when they haven't. This is an important ingredient of the Japanese psyche.
What's with all the vending machines?
Vending machines are ubiquitous in Japan. They're found on every street corner and, even in the middle of nowhere, you'll often find a sole vending machine glowing in the distance. Vending machines serve many purposes in Japan. Soft drinks, liquor, batteries, underwear, porno and even rice can all be bought without that embarrassing human contact.